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Old 03-09-2015, 12:59 PM   #1
Perry007
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Default Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

I am wondering what the issues would be if I were to install the voltmeter being connected to Battery negative and then small terminal positive on solenoid.

This would then only come on when cart is on and solenoid activated thus not a drain on batteries and I don't have to mess pulling the key switch.

Any advise/warnings?
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Old 03-09-2015, 01:56 PM   #2
JohnnieB
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Default Re: Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

If your solenoid has the pre-charge resistor install, as it should have, the voltmeter will be on all the time anyways. It would just read 1V-5V lower when the solenoid isn't activated.

The DVM battery meter I use (from Carts Unlimited) doesn't use any current to speak of (~0.001 A) and I have it connected directly the the main positive and negative terminals on the battery pack so I get the most accurate reading.

The control voltages (Keyswitch - Etc.) on a PDS cart are supplied by the controller, so they are not true pack voltage. Basically, with a PDS you've got a choice between true pack voltage, or a voltage that has gone through at least one set of switch contacts and extra connections.

My DVM battery meter has been on continuously for nearly 4 years and looks as good now and is just as accurate as it was when I first installed it.
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Old 03-09-2015, 02:02 PM   #3
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Default Re: Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

I think he is looking to connect to the solenoid activation circuit ? Not sure ?
But this would give you what you want but it will go off/on alot with the F&R switch and the footpedal switch.

Wire it direct - and forget about it.
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Old 03-09-2015, 02:35 PM   #4
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Default Re: Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

The solenoid activation voltage goes through at least one solid state switch, plus one mechanical switch (Run/Tow), so it is probably about 0.6V less than true pack voltage.

I looked for someplace with switched pack voltage when I originally connecting up the meter while I was using a stock PDS controller.

Of course, the slightly lower voltage on the yellow wire ought to be fairly consistent, so measure the pack voltage with a handheld DVM and add the difference to the dash mounted DVM mentally when accuracy is needed.

Having a slightly lower reading on the dash mounted DVM isn't a bad thing since the SoC error on the safe side when the wive or kids are using the cart.
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Old 03-09-2015, 02:39 PM   #5
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Default Re: Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

Good point
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Old 03-09-2015, 03:14 PM   #6
Perry007
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Default Re: Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

Yes it would be to the solenoid activation circuit (yellow wire).

I do not use my cart all that often, it is a golf cart stored at a golf course for the most part. This is why I don't want it on all the time being a battery drain.

I will measure the pack voltage periodically and see how consistent of a difference there will be.

What are the likely issue that this may incur wiring it like this?

Thank you JohnnieB and Scotty.
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Old 03-09-2015, 04:23 PM   #7
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Default Re: Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnieB View Post
The control voltages (Keyswitch - Etc.) on a PDS cart are supplied by the controller, so they are not true pack voltage
You got me worried with this statement, so I went and checked. My SOC meter installed at key switch seemed identical to my DVM at the battery pack. How much of a difference are we talking?

My DVM reads to .01 volts. My SOC meter only goes to .1 volts. Not enough resolution to measure the difference?
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Old 03-10-2015, 09:07 AM   #8
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Default Re: Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

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Originally Posted by mattadata View Post
You got me worried with this statement, so I went and checked. My SOC meter installed at key switch seemed identical to my DVM at the battery pack. How much of a difference are we talking?

My DVM reads to .01 volts. My SOC meter only goes to .1 volts. Not enough resolution to measure the difference?
If all the jack/plug interfaces, wire connections and switch contacts are good, there will be little, if any, measurable difference between true pack voltage and keyswitch voltage since they are all metal to metal contacts and connections. However, if any of them are dirty or corroded, the keyswitch voltage will be measurably lower.

The electrical reason I chose not to feed my DVM battery meter from the switched leg of the keyswitch was the large number of connections and contacts between the battery pack terminal and that point. I'm not sure if the voltage at the keyswitch enters the controller via J1 Pin-4 of J1 Pin-5, but with either there are over two dozen connections, most of which are crimped on terminals on the wiring and pins in the plugs and jacks, most of which are exposed to the acid laden atmosphere under the seat.

Bottom line is that I prefer to monitor the pack voltage without two dozen plus potential problem areas between the pack and the meter.

I also prefer to have the meter on all the time so I can tell at a glance if something that needs my attention is going on.

------------
I suspect your handheld DVM has 0.001V resolution on the lower voltage ranges. Set it to its lowest voltage range and measure between the main Positive terminal on the battery pack and the positive feed to the SoC meter from keyswitch. Any voltage measured will be the difference in what your SoC meter is reading and true pack voltage.
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Old 03-10-2015, 09:43 AM   #9
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Default Re: Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

Here we go again - it's a golf cart. Keep it simple

Commercial client had a strech limo cart. Batteries in the back we wired the meter to the pack in cut it into the rear body. The wires were short and the LED meter draws no noticeable amperage from the pack to stay on all the time.
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Old 03-10-2015, 09:55 AM   #10
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Default Re: Install of volt meter on 2001 PDS

The point is I love learning about this stuff! I don't really care about losing 1/100 of a Volt. I do care about learning more about electricity. Keep it coming!
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